CHAPTER 34Serene What should I do now? I cannot believe Charlotte would be that reckless. She knows how powerful Diego is; I am not sure whether I am safe anymore. Damn, the day was already going terribly; first, I was told we had signed a contract with his firm, and now he knows about Miguel. My pulse was beating as Rina stood in front of me, wondering what was wrong. "Ma'am, is everything okay?" she asked, but what could I possibly tell her? "Please get the car ready; we are leaving," I responded, and she walked out instantly. Diego would find me in minutes if not seconds, so I needed to hurry home and take Miguel away if necessary. I grabbed my handbag and headed for the vehicle. The guard opened the door, and I jumped inside.My thoughts were scattered, and I did not appear to be at peace. Charlotte tried to call, but I could not answer. When we arrived home, I hurried into the house. I walked into the living room, but it was completely vacant. "Miguel," I yelled, anticipating a
CHAPTER 35Diego When I looked at the photo of Serene and a small boy that the Detective had handed me, my heart softened and raced. I am not sure why I was so sure he was mine, despite George's doubts. I could feel a deep tie between the child and me. "Sir, will you be attending the meeting in Texas?" George inquired."No, book me the next flight to London," I responded, walking upstairs to gather my belongings."Sir, that is impossible at this hour. All the flights headed there have already gone," George stated, stepping up behind me.I turned back and glanced at him before continuing, "George, make sure I am in London within the next 24 hours. Figure it out on your own, OK.""Sir, this is a tough task, and I am not even sure how I will go about it; perhaps you should—I cut him off."There is no room for any maybes; I am sure I pay you handsomely, so get me a damn jet to London right now," I said, this time more seriously. He walked downstairs without saying anything, while I wen
CHAPTER 36Diego After that chat with George, I could not get myself to eat. I simply got some juice and waited for George to take me to the airport. I have done all kinds of awful things to Serene emotionally; I have never touched her physically to beat her or do anything that would leave marks on her body, but the amount of mental torment I have inflicted on her has begun to plague me. I truly was a monster to the one woman who accepted me for who I was. My ignorance prompted me to divorce her for Nelly, but I was simply being imprisoned.Everything was a nightmare during the years I was without Serene; I had to compromise because I hoped Nelly would change her ways, but she just became worse by the day. I do not regret spending millions on her in a week; I simply regret making the wrong decision in the first place. I was still wondering if Serene and her son would ever forgive me. "Sir, calm down; you are thinking too much," George said, shaking my shoulder."You will not understa
CHAPTER 37Diego We strolled into my uncle's mansion, and everything still seemed the same; I knew what each room was and what I expected to see next. My body began to quiver, and I became uneasy; all I wanted was for George not to implicate my uncle but he did. We went into the living room and drank coffee together, while the maid went to arrange my room. We conversed a little."So, are you sure you are only here for business?" Cruz inquired again, his voice concealing his interest."Yes, that is correct; I am simply here for that," I replied, my confidence shining through."So, what is the name of the firm you will be working with?" he asked."It is a KATARAYO Agency; I hope you know about it," I replied."Oh, yeah, I do, but why would you want to waste my father's money on companies like that? I mean, is everyone eager to work with you" He questioned."I want to gain a wider reputation for myself; governing New York is not enough; I need to partner with a behemoth of international
CHAPTER 38Serene Miguel now refuses to go to Australia with Mia, which makes me very concerned. He did not feel secure leaving me alone, and I could not help but cry in his presence. The next morning, I awoke and immediately prepared breakfast for everyone because I had no plans to go to work. When I was finished, I went to Miguel's room and asked him to clean his teeth before going for breakfast. He stared at himself in the bathroom mirror and inquired, "Mommy, do I resemble my daddy?" My heart skipped a beat since I had not anticipated him to say that."Mommy," he murmured, turning to face me when he realized I was not replying."Umm, sure, honey, you look just like him," I replied, looking aside as I struggled to hold back the tears."OK, I will go get my food now," he responded, running downstairs as Mia called out for him."Be careful, Miguel," I whispered as he hurried out.I hurriedly washed my face with water and glanced into the mirror. My heart was beating faster and my ey
CHAPTER 39Diego So far, the day is going well, but I haven't started my search. If George had not told my uncle I was coming, I would have spent the entire time at a hotel plotting how I was going to find Serene. I now have to pass by the KATARAYO Agency only to make it appear that I am here for business; my uncle finding out about Serene and the child would endanger their lives. As the evening neared, I prepared and left for KATARAYO AGENCIES’. Their guard led me inside the boarding room, where I found everyone except one individual. They were the biggest investor; they were supposed to welcome me but could not make it owing to other commitments."Mr. Myers, please excuse us for the inconvenience," the supervisor apologized."It is okay, Mr. Simon," I said, pretending to grin."Uhm, Mr. Myers, will you be staying here for long?” A lady dressed in blue inquired."I truly can not say madam, but if your boss would want to meet with me, please let her know; I want to conduct business w
CHAPTER 40Serene Going to welcome Diego would be the biggest mistake I could make; why on earth would I want him to know who I am so easily? I am not sure what Rina told them about my reason for not coming, but I instructed her to sort it out for herself. I spoke with Neina, and she advised me not to panic. I mean, how could I forget that I have become more powerful and successful than Diego in such a short period? I do not even need to send my son to Australia with his nanny; I have enough resources to protect him and myself, and Diego will never get to meet my child if I want.Different things were racing through my mind when I received a call from Neina, who verified that Diego had come for his child rather than for business. My heart skipped a beat, but I was not as afraid since I could not afford to lose myself to terror. I am not sure if it was the fear of meeting Diego or falling for him again that haunted me. Given that I had adequate protection, it became evident that the f
CHAPTER 41Diego I am not sure why KATARAYO's major stakeholder is not even interested in signing me to the agreement. I realize that they have done their homework on me, but my past is not intended to influence my future in business. Serene would always be the one to persuade people in situations like this, but now I am stranded again. I even doubt they were busy; they most likely made up an excuse to avoid me. When I arrived home from the motel, I went directly to my room and napped. After a few hours, my door opened, and Grace entered with a plate of food. "Diego, you did not touch anything; is everything okay?" She inquired, her expression troubled."Umm, sure, I am all right, just a bit fatigued.""Okay, how did the meeting go?" She asked."It went bad; KATATARYO's major investor did not want to see me; I am not sure why.""Oh, I see, everything happens for a purpose; now, take your meal and make sure I do not find it when I return for the tray," Grace remarked as she set the f
CHAPTER 160SereneEverything has been in place for the previous three weeks, with the exception that Neina, Charlotte, and Rina have moved into their own houses. Miguel and Diego have formed such a deep friendship, and I can only imagine how insane it will be when the triplets come. "Mommy, guess what Papa made you?" Miguel said as he raced toward me.“Careful sweetie," I responded, trying to make sure he didn't slip."I am OK, mommy; do not worry too much; I am strong now," he replied, lifting his small fists to demonstrate muscles that I could only pretend to see."Mommy, are you going to bring my sisters soon?" Miguel asked and I couldn't help but laugh."No, they are still small, but I will get them to you before you know it," I promised him."OK.. look! It's Aunt Rina,” he said, rushing to get a hug from her.“Hello everyone, hope you missed me?" she said, taking a seat next to me."Of course we did, how are you doing?” I asked."I am fine simply living the life I have always wa
CHAPTER 59Nelly “You're so deadly for a moment I thought we were going to die in prison," I said to Max Cruz while he was just stirring his drink."Come on, I wouldn't let that happen. Diego might stand on business, but we surely have all it takes to take him down,” he said with a devilish smile.The time I spent in jail is one I don't want to remember, not even in my worst nightmare. I had to adapt to the environment without air conditioners or just everything I'm used to. For a moment, I was convinced that this was it, but Max had everything under control; he seemed to know something deeper than what Sandra and I knew because there was no way Diego got us all out just like that without Serene having any clue. Even if they seem powerful and so in love the agony that Serene bitch is about to go through is going to be worse than the first.“Hello partners," Sandra greeted as she took a seat.“You look like you just had a hot bath?" Max commented."I did; there is no way the stench fr
CHAPTER 158 Serene The next day, I awoke in a hospital bed, knowing that the worst news was waiting for me. I stood up and looked at Charlotte and Neina, who were nervously looking at each other. "Did I lose the babies?" I asked my ears, knowing fully well that they were unprepared for the answer. "No, you didn't. The children are fine, but we are not sure if you will want to attend Diego's funeral," Charlotte said. "I am fine, I will go," I said, but I could tell they were both concerned that I would not be able to handle the pain. We arrived home, and I was able to change. I was sitting on my couch, trying to remember all the times he managed to create memories with me, and tears welled up in my eyes. I remembered how I hugged him from behind when Miguel was kidnapped. "Tell me you do not want to see me again, and I will leave forever," his words echoed in my mind. “I don't," I recalled saying before running to give him that hug. Why did you leave me so soon? I
CHAPTER 157 Serene The gunshots continued to echo in my head until I saw Diego fall in front of me. I was unable to speak, and before I could reach out to him, everything went black. "Diego!" I exclaimed, waking up in a hospital bed. "Calm down, Ms. Brights; you are safe and sound," I heard a strange woman say. "Who... Who are you, and where is Miguel?" I asked the woman, who appeared to be smiling at me. “Miguel? I don't know who that is but I —" "What do you mean, you have no idea who my son is? Where is Miguel?" I cut her off, attempting to sit up straight at the prospect of possibly losing my son. "Oh, your son," the woman said with a smile, and my heart rate finally slowed. “Where is he?" I asked her again. "He went to bring you some clothes from the mans
CHAPTER 156Nelly“Mina!" I heard Max exclaim when I opened my eyes in shock. How was she still alive after what Max had done to her? I looked around and could not believe I was actually in jail. "Hello, Nelly; you appear surprised to be in your new home," Mina said, smiling at me."Mina, my love, I can not believe you are still alive; I have missed you,” Max said, trying to hold her hand."Max, please hold it there. Are you even listening to yourself right now?” Mina cut him off."Of course, sweetie; I can not believe you are here with me every day and night. I wish you—”"Shut up, you idiot," Grace interrupted him as she walked in, looking different. She had lipstick and heels on."Grace, you have arrived," Max said, smiling with hope."Hello Max," Grace
CHAPTER 155SERENEI could not believe what I just heard and could not even tell Neina. I knew going to sleep in my room would be dangerous, so I locked the door and asked the guards to come upstairs in groups while armed, as the future was unknown at the time. “Is everything OK?" I heard Max ask the guard."Yes, everything is fine, Mr. Cruz; you can sleep," I said, attempting to appear calm."OK, thank you for letting me stay," he said, and I just smiled as I went into my room to grab my coat before returning to Miguel's room. After what I just heard, there was no way I was going to leave my baby alone all night. My thoughts were scattered, and I was having trouble reaching Diego. I was sure he was drunk by now.“What happened?" Neina inquired about why I had decided to have us sleep in Miguel's room.I cou
CHAPTER 154SERENEWhen Diego learned Miguel had been kidnapped, he dashed out, promising to bring him back, but I knew I would never forgive myself if anything happened to my son. I tried to relax and think positively, but couldn't. I suspected Charlotte was playing a prank on me, but when I called her, she had already left for Dubai with Andrew. My heart was not in the right place, and I knew Grace had not taken him without permission.Who else could have done that?Nelly was the only one who raised a red flag in my mind; I would never use a gun on anyone before, but after all the techniques I learned in self-defense classes with my guards, I did not mind pulling the trigger for Miguel, so I quickly asked the guards to get the car ready and take me to Max's mansion. My instincts never lie, and Miguel would undoubtedly be in the hands of Ne
CHAPTER 153NellyMax had gone shopping with Sonia and Grace, while I remained behind to make a very strategic move. There is no way Diego just decided to leave and go to a hotel. I have been following him for a while now, and I can not help but outwit him before he outwits us. When I found out that he had gone to see Serene, I used the plan I had devised to get their child and got my hands on that little boy. Knowing Serene would give anything to have that child back, I would play my cards right. I was about to leave my bedroom when I bumped into Max."Nelly, where have you been?" he inquired, his face untidy."What happened and is the shopping already done?" I pretended to ask."Do not act surprised; you know exactly what I am talking about. Where is Serene's son?" he inquired, his tone filled with concern as if he were the father
CHAPTER 152SereneI was on my way to check on the current status of my hotel when I noticed a waitress attempting to force herself on Diego. I was so furious that I almost fired her for being so unethical with our customers. I told them to treat everyone with respect, and given Diego's state, I could not help but rush to his aid, even though a part of me wanted to back away. He was always drunk when things didn't go well, so I knew something was up.When he told me what had happened, I called George to learn more and see how I could help. I realize it sounded stupid, but I was not doing it for Diego. I could not bear the thought of his late father's time being wasted on Myers Enterprise. Even after assisting him, something else made me nervous—lab results.I just found out I am pregnant and have no idea what will happen next. I am not sure whether I should be